Sedona Family Vacation 9-day Itinerary
Are you planning a family vacation? Look no further than Sedona, Arizona, and its surrounding areas for a perfect getaway that offers a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and natural wonders. With its stunning red rock formations, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Sedona and its nearby attractions provide an unforgettable vacation destination for families. Our family followed the following itinerary during the past spring break, and I’m sharing this to help you plan your family vacation from Sedona. Google maps of this itinerary are linked at the bottom to this post.
Day 1: Fly into Phoenix and Arrive in Sedona
On the first day of your Sedona family vacation Itinerary, fly into Phoenix and make your way to Sedona, which is approximately a 2-hour drive. Once you arrive in Sedona, check into our Sedona Family Vacation rental. Take some time to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery around you, and get ready for an exciting adventure ahead.
Stay: Sedona
Day 2: Sedona – Bell Rock Pathway, Chapel of the Holy Cross, and Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
Start your day with a visit to the Bell Rock Pathway in the morning. This easy and well-maintained trail is 3.6 miles round-trip and offers stunning views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. It’s a popular trail for families and older adults, with beautiful vistas that are perfect for taking memorable family photos.
On your way back to our house, make a stop at the Chapel of the Holy Cross. This unique architectural marvel is built into the red rocks and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. It’s a serene and spiritual place that provides a peaceful respite.
In the afternoon, head to the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, a charming shopping district filled with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. It’s a great place to explore local art and crafts and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Don’t forget to visit the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, a serene Buddhist site that offers peace and tranquility amidst the red rock formations.
Day 3: Sedona – Soldier Pass Trail and Pink Jeep Tour
On the third day of your Sedona family vacation Itinerary, embark on a hiking adventure to Soldier Pass Trail. This moderate 4.2-mile round-trip trail offers beautiful views of the red rocks and takes you to the famous “Seven Sacred Pools,” a unique rock formation that’s perfect for exploring with kids.
In the afternoon, treat your family to an exciting Pink Jeep Tour, a thrilling off-road adventure that takes you through the rugged terrain of Sedona’s red rocks. Choose from various tour options that cater to families, including the Broken Arrow Tour, Scenic Rim Tour, or Diamondback Gulch Tour, and enjoy an adrenaline-pumping experience that’s sure to be a highlight of your trip.
Day 4: Sedona to Grand Canyon
On the fourth day of your itinerary, it’s time to head to one of the most iconic natural wonders of the world – the Grand Canyon. Before leaving Sedona, make a stop at Slide Rock State Park in the morning. This unique park offers natural waterslides and swimming holes, perfect for a refreshing dip and some family fun.
Afterward, make the approximately 2-hour drive to the Grand Canyon, and check into your accommodation. Take the rest of the day to explore the visitor center, enjoy the stunning vistas from the rim, and get ready for an awe-inspiring experience at the Grand Canyon.
Stay: Grand Canyon
Day 5: Grand Canyon
After spending a night at the Grand Canyon, make sure to wake up early to catch the breathtaking sunrise over the canyon. You can head to one of the viewpoints, such as Mather Point or Yaki Point, to witness the golden hues painting the majestic cliffs of the Grand Canyon. It’s a truly awe-inspiring sight that you and your family won’t want to miss.
Spend the day exploring the Grand Canyon National Park, which offers a multitude of hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and visitor centers. You can take a hike along the Rim Trail, which offers stunning panoramic views of the canyon, or venture down into the canyon on one of the many hiking trails available, such as the Bright Angel Trail or the South Kaibab Trail. Just remember to take plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and be cautious while hiking, especially with children.
Day 6: Grand Canyon to Page
After enjoying the beauty of the Grand Canyon, it’s time to head towards Page, which is approximately a 2-hour drive from the Grand Canyon.
Once you reach Page, you can embark on a guided tour of Upper Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon known for its stunning light beams and unique rock formations. You can also enjoy a leisurely lunch before heading for a tour of Lower Antelope Canyon, which offers a different perspective of the slot canyon with its narrow passages and fascinating rock formations. Make sure to book your tours in advance, as they can fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
After your canyon adventures, you can head to the famous Horseshoe Bend, a horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River that offers incredible views of the emerald-green water against the red sandstone cliffs. It’s a short hike from the parking lot to the viewpoint, and it’s a perfect spot for some family photos.
Day 7: Page to Monument Valley
On day 7, you can start your morning with an Antelope Canyon Boat Tour, which takes you on a scenic cruise through the waters of Lake Powell and into the narrow canyons with their towering walls of sandstone, or try out the Paddleboard and Kayak on Lake Powell. It’s a unique way to explore the beautiful landscape of this region and create lasting memories with your family.
After the boat tour, you can make a stop at the spot where the famous movie scene from Forrest Gump was filmed. This location offers panoramic views of the surrounding red rocks and is a great spot for some family photos.
Next, head towards Monument Valley, which is known for its iconic sandstone formations that have been featured in many western movies. You can take a guided cultural tour of Monument Valley, led by Navajo guides who will share their stories, history, and culture. Marvel at the towering buttes, mesas, and arches that make up this unique landscape, and learn about the Navajo way of life.
As you make your way towards Navajo National Monument, make sure to stop and admire the Elephant Feet, a natural rock formation that resembles the feet of an elephant. It’s a fascinating natural wonder that kids will love.
Day 8: Monument Valley to Flagstaff
On your way back to Flagstaff, you can make a few interesting stops to add more adventures to your itinerary. Start with a visit to the Navajo Moenave Dinosaur Tracks, where you can see preserved dinosaur footprints that are millions of years old. It’s a fascinating experience for kids and adults alike to see these ancient imprints left by dinosaurs that once roamed the area.
Afterwards, you can head to the Wupatki National Monument, which is known for its ancient Puebloan ruins. Explore the well-preserved ruins of ancient dwellings and learn about the fascinating history of the people who once lived in this area. The kids will love exploring the unique architecture and imagining what life was like for the ancient inhabitants of the region.
Before heading back to Flagstaff, make sure to visit Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, which is home to a volcanic cinder cone and a unique landscape of lava flows and cinders. Take a short hike and learn about the volcanic history of the area, and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Day 9: Flagstaff to Phoenix
On your last day, you will be driving from Flagstaff to Phoenix, which is approximately a 2.5-hour drive. You can take a leisurely drive and enjoy the scenic views of the Arizona landscape as you head towards the end of your trip.
In conclusion, an Sedona family vacation Itinerary can be an exciting and adventurous trip, exploring the natural wonders of Arizona, learning about Native American culture, and creating lasting memories with your loved ones. From the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon to the iconic Monument Valley, and the unique landscapes of Page and Flagstaff, this itinerary offers a diverse range of experiences for families to enjoy. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in beautiful Arizona!
